Obesity and Insulin Resistance: A Review of Molecular Interactions

Curr Mol Med. 2021;21(3):182-193. doi: 10.2174/1566524020666200812221527.

Abstract

The prevalence of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus is rising globally in epidemic proportions. Diabetes and its complications contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. An increase in sedentary lifestyle and consumption of a more energydense diet increased the incidence of obesity which is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Obesity acts as a potent upstream event that promotes molecular mechanisms involved in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. However, the exact molecular mechanisms between obesity and diabetes are not clearly understood. In the current study, we have reviewed the molecular interactions between obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Glut-4; adipocyte; adipokine; adiponectin; insulin signal transduction.; obesity; oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / pathology
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance / genetics*
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / pathology